During the Christmas holidays, many accidents can be prevented with safe home decorating, caution in the kitchen, and slowing down on the road.
Stay Safe During the Holidays
Millions of people are decorating their homes, putting up holiday lights, buying Christmas gifts, cooking holiday meals, and driving to visit family and friends during the Christmas season. With all the hustle and bustle, holiday accidents frequently cause serious injuries that put many people in the hospital emergency room.
Most Christmas accidents and injuries seen by accident lawyers, like falls from ladders, cuts and burns, house fires, and car accidents can be prevented by slowing down the pace and using appropriate safety measures.
Falls From Ladders
During the Christmas holidays, falls from ladders, especially falls from heights, contribute to severe injuries. Decorating the house, adorning the Christmas tree, and hanging holiday lights put thousands of people in the hospital each year. Ladders can be dangerous, so ladder safety tips are essential. People should:
- Place ladders on stable, flat surfaces
- Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles
- Never stand on the top rung
- Get another person to hold the ladder
- Check weight restrictions on the ladder
- Only use sturdy ladders in good condition
Cuts and Burns
Cooking Christmas dinner for family and friends is a holiday tradition that often results in serious cuts and burns. Sharp carving knives, flimsy pans, hot ovens and stove burners, and hot oils and drippings send many cooks to the emergency room. If toddlers and young children are in the home, adults should keep them out of the kitchen.
House Fires
Holiday house fires are commonly caused by Christmas trees, holiday lighting, candles, and kitchen grease fires. Injuries witnessed by accident lawyers are usually preventable when homeowners take safety precautions: 1) Fresh Christmas trees should never dry out; 2) Artificial trees should be fire-rated; 3) Tree lights should be new and UL-rated; 4) Candles should be avoided around flammable objects; 5) Working smoke alarms should be installed.
Car Accidents
With thousands of drivers on the road during Christmas, it’s no wonder that car accidents top the list of holiday incidents that cause injuries seen by accident lawyers. Whether driving to visit family and friends or enjoying a special holiday get-a-way, drivers are urged to pay attention to the road, minimize driving distractions, avoid alcohol and/or drugs, and slow down. Arriving late and safe is much better than not arriving at all.
